Project Healing Waters

Helping Our Vets

After Terry and I had our initial meeting with Mike Gilman, Recreational Therapist and his staff. Ken Hofmeister, John Craig and I met with Mike, and eight participants in our first official PHWFF session at Bay Pines VA Hospital. We gave them an overview of the project, answered questions and then tied some simple spider type flies so they would feel comfortable with the tasks involved. Two lakes on the property have warm water species where they will eventually try out their flies and casting skills. They also have saltwater access at the facility. A DVD, 'Fly Fishing Basics and Techniques,' was shown to them and we discussed some of the things they saw. Our next meeting is July 30 at 12:30 p.m. Mike then showed us more of the great facility and took us to meet Derenda McCook, Chief of Voluntary Services. Derenda, like all of the staff, was most accommodating and started us with the procedures so that we will become regular volunteers.

The sign-up sheet from our last meeting had fifteen members willing to help as volunteers. This is extremely gratifying. Those of you interested in helping with this very worthwhile project who weren't at the meeting can sign up through a link on our website. Once again your club shows how much it cares and how fly fishing can have such a positive impact. If you have any questions, contact Terry Kirkpatrick, John Craig, Ken Hofmeister or Pat Damico.

Mike Gilman, John Craig, and Pat Damico

If you'd like to volunteer to help our veterans learn the art of fly fishing, please use the form below.

Next meeting at Bay Pines: Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 12:30 p.m.

We will meet on the third floor of the building number 1 on the map (below), adjacent to parking lot number 7.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Sign-up Form

Directions:

VA Medical Center | 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. | Bay Pines, FL 33744

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System's main facility is located between St. Petersburg and Madeira Beach, on the West Coast of Florida, across Tampa Bay from Tampa, Florida.

From the North Take Interstate 275 South to Exit 25 (38th Avenue North). Travel West, five (5) miles, to Tyrone Blvd. (ALT US 19A). Turn right (West) on Tyrone Blvd. and travel toward the beaches. Turn left at the third traffic light to enter the facility.

From the South Take Interstate 275 North to Exit 25 (38th Avenue North). Travel West, five (5) miles, to Tyrone Blvd. (ALT US 19A). Turn right (West) on Tyrone Blvd. and travel toward the beaches. Turn left at the third traffic light to enter the facility.

Map of Facility